A condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is widespread in America, and throughout the world. The leading cause of amputations, PAD serves as a marker of a dramatically increased risk of premature death and disability—even when symptoms are not present.
One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 have PAD, with recent estimates of more than 20 million Americans being affected. Though it is a common and treatable disease, it is largely undiagnosed and unrecognized. PAD is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in arteries outside of the heart such as the legs, arms, kidneys, intestine, brain, or arms. The blockages keep extremities and organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood. Patients with PAD often have associated blockages in heart and brain vessels as the risk factors are typically the same. These include smoking, diabetes, elevated lipids, hypertension, and a family history of atherosclerosis.
Most patients with PAD either have no symptoms, or they attribute their symptoms to arthritis or “getting old.” When symptoms do occur, the most common are claudication (muscle cramping with activity caused by inadequate blood supply), hair loss, leg fatigue, and in extreme cases, severe leg pain, ulceration, or gangrene. Patients with PAD, even with no symptoms, have an increased risk of dying, primarily from heart attacks and strokes.
Statistics show that most amputations performed in the United States resulting from PAD could have been prevented. The 30-day mortality rate following a major amputation ranges from 8-25 percent. Additionally, amputations are more expensive, and have higher morbidity and mortality than limb salvage procedures.
“Prevention of PAD is the best treatment, but early detection and the institution of medical therapy and lifestyle modifications can dramatically improve outcomes,” said Dr. Walker. “We must stop the disease progression.”
Dedicating his life to PAD prevention and limb salvage, Dr. Walker founded the Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Houma, La. in 1983 and New Cardiovascular Horizons, which is hosting its 18th annual conference May 31-June 2 in New Orleans at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Known as the peripheral event of the year, NCVH is a multispecialty conference focusing on limb salvage and amputation prevention techniques for patients suffering from PAD and critical limb ischemia (CLI). The conference attracts world authorities and international attendees with one common goal—to improve care for patients through the use of cutting-edge technology and techniques.
The event is expected to draw more than 1,600 attendees and 100 exhibitors, with more than 300 scientific lectures from 200 faculty members. One of the unique aspects of the conference is that it transmits more than 30 live and complex cases performed by some of the world’s best interventionists from locations around the world, including Germany, Italy, and many more.
For eight years, Dr. Craig Walker has also visited China annually to offer physician training on interventional treatments for PAD and limb salvage. The population in China has a primarily Western diet, high in saturated fat, red meat, and refined sugars. Almost 110 million people in China have diabetes, and 28 percent of all adults and 50 percent of men in China are estimated to smoke regularly. These factors all contribute to the prevalence of heart disease and vascular disease, creating the need for advanced vascular care and treatment throughout China. For the past three years, Dr. Walker has also hosted a China mentorship program, which welcomed promising young Chinese physicians to the United States to learn new and innovative techniques to share with their colleagues back home.
Dr. Walker remains committed to education in PAD prevention and interventional treatments to save limbs and lives. “PAD affects 20 million Americans, which is far more than breast cancer, and it is associated with a higher mortality rate,” explained Dr. Walker. “We must raise awareness for prevention and treatment to profoundly lessen the need for amputations, and we need to improve the level of care we provide for our patients—both locally and internationally.”
Although PAD can affect any gender or age, those most at risk include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.